The bill amends Florida Statutes to establish specific exemptions from public records requirements for certain officials and employees associated with the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC). It protects the personal information, including home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and photographs, of the chair, commissioners, and hearing officers of PERC from public disclosure. Additionally, the bill extends similar protections to current and former county attorneys, city attorneys, clerks of the circuit court, and their families, as well as congressional members and public officers. These exemptions are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which means they will expire unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Moreover, the bill revises existing provisions to ensure the confidentiality of draft orders and communications from the commission, while allowing public access to hearings and oral arguments. It mandates that showing of interest statements signed by public employees wishing to withdraw representation from a bargaining agent also remain confidential. The Legislature emphasizes the necessity of these exemptions due to the heightened risk of harm faced by public officials and their families, as well as the importance of confidentiality in the commission's preparatory processes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1298 Filed: 119.071, 447.205, 447.308